Why Conduct Metal Testing?

Heavy metals are a group of relatively high-density metals and metalloids that can be toxic, even at parts per billion (ppb) levels. Some examples include lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr). Unlike organic pollutants, heavy metals do not degradable and have tendency to accumulate in living beings. Various adverse health hazards are known due to long term and continuous exposure to heavy metals. For example:

• • Lead (Pb) – Lead is a common environmental contaminant in the soil and air. Prolonged exposure is tied to a number of health problems, including joint and muscle pain, headaches, infertility/reproductive problems, and gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Cadmium (Cd) – Cadmium is commonly used in manufacturing processes and is a byproduct of zinc. Cadmium has adverse effects on the body’s neurological, reproductive, renal, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems that can cause kidney failure and bone density loss.
  • Mercury (Hg) – Studies indicate that mercury inhalation through smoking is more dangerous than exposure via ingestion, as the lungs are more efficient absorbers. Mercury poisoning is associated with neurological damage resulting in tremors, seizures, memory impairment, and motor control problems.
  • Arsenic (As) – Arsenic, even at low levels, is incredibly toxic to the human body. Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water is linked to cancers of the skin as well as hyperkeratosis and pigmentation problems. In toxic amounts, arsenic causes a sudden drop in blood pressure, vomiting, and ultimately death.
  • Chromium (Cr) – Chromium is an essential nutrient that can be found in food and plays a key part in metabolism. The mineral has two forms: trivalent (Cr (III)) and hexavalent (Cr (VI)). Cr (III) is found in food while Cr (VI) is toxic and emitted by industrial pollution. Cr(VI) targets the respiratory system, kidneys, liver, skin, eyes, and is known to cause cancer.

Since metals are nondegradable and tend to bioaccumulate, it is important to conduct metal testing to identify ion contamination levels in soil and water.